Palomar College follows state and federal laws to protect the rights, privacy, and well-being of all students and employees. These guidelines ensure clear communication, limit disclosure of personal information, and help maintain a supportive campus environment for undocumented and mixed-status families.
Administrative Procedure 3415 – Immigration Enforcement Activities
AP 3415 outlines how Palomar College responds to immigration enforcement activity on campus. The procedure ensures compliance with state law while prioritizing the safety, privacy, and well-being of students, employees, and visitors. It sets clear expectations for how the College communicates, verifies, and responds to any external immigration activity.
Key Points
- Aligns campus practice with the California Education Code and state protections for students and employees.
- Defines roles and responsibilities for all students, faculty, and staff regarding immigration guidance.
- If students, faculty, and staff are advised that an officer engaged in immigration enforcement is expected to enter, will enter, or has entered the campus for immigration enforcement purposes are to immediately notify:
- Campus Police 760-891-7273, or x2289, or policedispatchers@palomar.edu
- and the Office of the Superintendent/President 760-744-1150 x2289, or officeofthepresident@palomar.edu
- Requires verification of immigration enforcement activity before taking institutional action.
- Ensures the College does not disclose private information including immigration status unless required by a valid judicial order.
- Identifies Palomar point of contacts:
- If you are an employee who may or could be subject to an immigration order or inquiry on campus, the point of contact is Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Human Resource Services, Anna Pedroza at 760-744-1150 x2531.
- If you are a student/know a student who may or could be subject to an immigration order or inquiry on campus, the point of contact is Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services, Nick Mata at 760-744-1150 x2158.
Additional Resources
Internal Guidance for employees is available on the PD Portal.
Administrative Procedure 3415 Immigration Enforcement Activities – Full Text
Senate Bill 98 Limiting Immigration Enforcement on School and Campus Grounds
SB 98 is a California law designed to protect students and families by limiting immigration enforcement actions on school grounds. The law strengthens privacy protections, reduces fear among undocumented and mixed-status families, and ensures that schools and colleges remain safe, accessible learning environments.
SB98 Implementation Protocol
Detection and Initial Reporting
- Any student, faculty or staff member that witnesses or is advised that an officer engaged in immigration enforcement is expected to enter, will enter, or has entered the campus or education center for immigration enforcement purposes, must immediately contact Campus Police or the Office of the Superintendent President.
- District sites include San Marcos main campus, Escondido Education Center, Rancho Bernardo Education Center and Fallbrook Education Center
- Campus Police will respond to the incident and log time, location and initial reporter(s).
Verification of Immigration Enforcement Presence
- Campus Police will confirm whether immigration enforcement officers (e.g., Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol) are physically present on campus and for what purpose.
- Campus Police will verify the legality of any warrant, court order, or subpoena.
- Campus Police will record the confirmation time, location and other pertinent information.
- The Chief of Police (or designee) will relay all information collected to the Superintendent/President, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instructional Services, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, and the Public Information Officer.
Campus Notification
SB 98 does not set a precise minute-based requirement, but colleges are expected to notify the community promptly after confirmation.
After all information has been confirmed, the Public Information Officer will prepare the email notification that will include the following information:
- Date and time immigration enforcement was confirmed
- Location of the confirmed enforcement activity
- Hyperlinks to campus and community resources
The notification must NOT include:
- Names, identifying descriptions, or any personal identifying information
- Details about individuals involved or assumptions about why enforcement is on campus
- The email notification will be sent to all employees and all currently enrolled students. The notification will be sent in English and Spanish
Assembly Bill 49: Protecting Student Records and Family Privacy
AB 49 protects the privacy of students and their families by establishing strict limits on immigration-related data collection and disclosure in K–12 schools and colleges. The bill reinforces that schools and colleges may not release student records or information about a student’s or family’s immigration status without a valid judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order. Compliance with AB 49 is embedded into Administrative Procedure 3415.
Rights and Privacy Information
Every student has the right to access a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment regardless of immigration status.
- California law affirms that all students can enroll in public colleges and universities.
- Campus services, financial aid opportunities (where eligible), and student activities are available to all students without discrimination.
- Students do not need to provide information about immigration status in order to attend, receive support, or participate in campus life.
Privacy Protections Under FERPA, AB 49, and SB 98
Multiple laws work together to protect student privacy and data security.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Federal Law
- Protects educational records from unauthorized disclosure.
- Requires written consent or a valid court order before releasing any student record.
Assembly Bill 49 (California)
- Prohibits collecting or sharing information about immigration status.
- Requires judicial authorization before any educational records can be shared with enforcement agencies.
Senate Bill 98 (California)
- Limits immigration enforcement activity on campus.
- Ensures that campus officials follow clear procedures before releasing any information or granting access.
Together, these laws strengthen protections for student information and help our District uphold environments that are welcoming and supportive for all learners.
Student Support
Student support services are a critical part of creating a safe and welcoming environment particularly for undocumented and mixed-status families.
Training and Professional Development
- Spring 2026 Flex Week (AP 3415 Training and Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) Bystander Strategies)